The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Conflict Management (PICM) at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) is one of the only few of such programmes available in Africa. PhD students accepted into the programme will receive broad interdisciplinary training and opportunities that draw on an array of social science and humanities disciplines. Graduates will be able to address problems from a sophisticated knowledge base of substantive and methodological approaches. The programme will train students to acquire key global competencies in areas of conflict, peace and security.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

Within the broad framework of the KAIPTC’s mandate, the course aims at equipping participants with tools for analytical thinking, good judgment, leadership and other critical managerial skills. The specific objectives of the course are to:

Achieve the highest professional and academic standards in conflict prevention, resolution and management, mediation, negotiation, peace brokering, security management and gender and conflicts.

Provide graduates with broad training allowing them to integrate the latest research findings into theoretically rich, issue-relevant publications and reports.

Prepare graduates to address global conflict issues using the latest and most effective quantitative and qualitative research methods through methodological training.

Integrate theory and practice in the analysis of international conflict based on student’s experience.

COURSE STRUCTURE

1. Course Work

Students will be required to complete six (6) core courses as their course work in the first year. These include: 1. Research Methods; 2. Theories and Analysis of Conflict, Peace and Security; 3. International Law, Human rights and Conflict; 4. Contemporary and Emerging Security Issues; 5. National Security Framework; and 6. International Relations.

2. Individual Project

Students work individually on the research project with regular assessment by supervisors within the period. During this period they are required to demonstrate a high level of initiative and original thought to develop and carry out in-depth research as well as understand the broad context in which the work is undertaken.

ORGANIZATION OF PROGRAMME

Start Date: October 2018.

Duration: Four Years (Full Time Applicants)

Course Location: KAIPTC, Teshie, Accra (Ghana)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates are required to obtain the following to qualify for admission:

A good first degree (2nd Class Upper and above) in a relevant field of study at a recognized university; and

MPhil, MA or MSc (with thesis/dissertation). Admissions will be limited to candidates’ academic and scholastic records and who show a potential for successful completion of a doctoral programme.

Excellent understanding and comprehension of English is required.

Shortlisted applicants are required to take an interview for purposes of assessing their eligibility.

In addition, candidates are required to submit a thesis proposal along with the completed application form to qualify for admission. Previous experience in security-related issues as well as working in peace and security environment is an advantage for admission.

KAIPTC receives ear-marked and non-earmarked funding from its development partners. In some instances, it receives technical support on specific projects and programmes. The institution welcomes additional financial and technical support from development partners. Please contact the following persons/departments: